Liza Minnelli, Michael York, Joel Grey and Marisa Berenson first teamed up on the red carpet as cast mates - and now 40 years on, as old friends.

As they gathered in New York to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Cabaret, Minnelli said: "Just being together again is so much fun, you know. And I think we're all excited.

"Fosse's work was so brilliant. And for people to see it again is just wonderful.”

She added: “We're all here, the film looks better than ever. And it really is a sense of something to celebrate. So I'm thrilled I can be here too,” said Michael York, who plays one of Minnelli's love interests in the film.

The 1972 film was directed by eight-time Tony award winner Bob Fosse and was loosely based on the 1966 Broadway musical of the same name.

Minnelli stars as an American performer in Berlin who ends up in a love triangle.

On the red carpet Minnelli said the Oscar-winning film was realistic.

“You have to see it, it's very strange and dark and sexy and sensual. It's a wonderful film” she said.

For Joel Grey, who narrates the film, the night was both unbelievable and comfortable.

“It's hard, hard to fathom 40 years because it feels so intimate and so friendly and cozy. And I think it's probably because we were all involved in a project that was so important in terms of a subject matter. And it was so beautifully made by Bob Fosse,” he said.

Actress Marisa Berenson said she is proud that the film continues to inspire.

“It's very moving to be here 40 years later with this extraordinary movie that is still ongoing."

Cabaret will be released on Blu-ray Book format on February 5, with a 40-page book full of photos and stories from the making of the film.